Local News

The school speed zone on County Road 341 at Chiefland Elementary School has gone high tech with new solar-powered, blinking lights that can be computer programmed to alert drivers to slow down and look out for children. The two lights and signs were funded with grants from Plum Creek and Tarmac. Levy County Commissioner Chad Johnson donated the marine batteries that store the solar power for the lights.

The School Board of Levy County on Tuesday approved a universal breakfast program at Bronson Elementary School, allowing students at the school to get a free breakfast starting this fall. The state made the program available for schools in which 80 percent or more of the students qualify for the free or reduced lunch program.

Bronson Town Council members agreed it’s better to start with a higher proposed millage rate and come down once all the review and studies are complete. After some discussion, council members agreed last week to set a proposed millage of 3.8861 mills, but only because a proposed millage rate can be decreased and not increased. City Clerk Kelli Brettel offered several scenarios for the council to weigh, including keeping it as it is, going with the rollback rate and the highest of the rates. Property values are down in Bronson, Brettel said, and

The Levy County Sheriff's Office has purchased six new vehicles — four for its K-9 units and two for the investigative unit for $167,462.80. Sheriff Johnny Smith said he stands behind the decision to replace vehicles that had 100,000 to 150,000 miles on each, including replacement of a car totaled in an accident where the other driver was found to be at fault. Smith said he is aware of how the purchase looks in a tight budget year.

For the third consecutive year, Levy County is expected to get a “B” when it comes to education. The Florida Department of Education released its annual school grades last week, and area schools that had their grades reported overall performed well.

The zoning application came with $1,600 and eight cases of paperwork. The cover letter summed it up: "Tarmac America LLC is pleased to submit the King Road Limestone Mine Special Exception Application #3 ... This submittal is for the actual operation of the mine site which is +/- 4,750 acres," Tarmac executive Albert W. Townsend wrote to the Levy County Development Department. The letter was dated June 13, but it was not delivered to Levy County Building Official Rob Corbitt at his Bronson office until Aug.